Champaign Fire leads to Murder Charge

Champaign Police say a man has been arrested on murder charges in connection with a fatal fire Friday at an apartment complex. Thirty-one year old Terry Brownlee of Champaign faces murder charges for the death of a female who died in the fire.

The Champaign County Coroner says the name of the victim is being withheld pending an autopsy on Saturday and positive identification. Brownlee had been staying at the apartment in the 400-block of South State. The female who died did not stay there. Police say the suspect and victim knew each other.

Champaign firefighters discovered the victim after responding to the fire shortly after 6 am.

The State Fire Marshal is assisting in the investigation into the tragedy. Ther was no other injury. Two other apartments in the complex were affected.Residents in all but those two of the apartments were allowed to return to their apartments.